Based on the exciting music, songs and dances of Eastern Europe and its Gypsy culture, the Tamburitzans bring a new 2-hour program each year. Packed with nearly 20 exhilarating dance routines, hundreds of beautiful costumes and spell binding music, this show captivates audiences of all ages!

Tamburitzans have been proclaimed “unique in all the world” and lauded and reviewed both here and abroad. International tours have won critical acclaim in France, Russia, Greece, Poland, Bulgaria and 10 South American countries. The company of 45 young performers – 30 dancers, 10 musicians and technicians provide an unparalleled opportunity to view a slice of life from ”The Old Country”.

Established in 1937 (the same year as RCCA was formed in Rapid City) at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA the Tamburitzans became the namesake of their founding instrument – the tambura or tamburica. Originally a trio of musicians from St. Thomas College in St. Paul, MN, the group transferred to St. Edwards’s University in Austin, TX and expanded to 7 members. On a tour stop in Pittsburgh Dr. A. Lester Pierce, enchanted with the cultural diversity of the city, pursued a successful partnership with Duquesne University. The Slavonic Tamburitza Orchestra eventually transformed into the acclaimed company it is today.

The Tamburitzans troupe prides itself as the longest running stage production in the USA. For seven decades there has been a tremendous investment in work, energy, effort and sacrifice to ensure that the Tamburitzans remain the vibrant and foremost folk music and dance ensemble that it is today.

A Tamburitzan is not solely a performer. Each member is a full-time student engaging in the study of his/her academic selection at Duquesne University. Graduating members are annually replaced by incoming first-year students providing the remarkable long-term vitality of the organization.

Much more could be said of the Duquesne University Tamburitzans but instead, RCCA invites the Black Hills audience to come and experience the joy and excitement as we celebrate the closing of our 70th season with the Tamburitzans in their 70th year of performing.